Aerospace and Composites

Part machining

In part manufacturing, the machining of parts is stationary, i.e. parts are cut in a machine in several clamping positions. While small to medium cubic parts can be machined on a machining centre, large parts require special gantry machines.

Titanium machining

Titanium machining

Titanium and titanium alloys are predestined for use in aerospace. High demands are placed on workpiece material strength and corrosion resistance in relation to their specific weight. This results in a wide range of applications extending from small mechanically processed structural parts to load-bearing parts in the fuselage or blades in the engine.

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Aluminium machining

Aluminium machining

When it comes to pre-series or prototype moulds, it is not unusual to use materials that are easy to machine. Aluminium alloys or uriol (plastics) are often used. In these cases, solid carbide tools with positive and partly polished cutting edges, or better still, PCD-tipped tools ensure high productivity and short machining times.

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Plastics and CFRP machining

Plastics and CFRP machining

Fibre composite materials are very strong and rigid relative to their light weight. The properties of the materials can be modified as required, by making use of various matrix materials and types of fibres. This allows the optimal fulfilment of the requirements that are made of the part. The parts are manufactured using a near net shape technique. Machining tasks include, among other things, the subsequent machining of the outer contour and the manufacturing of functional surfaces.

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Solutions for final assembly

Even today, handheld machines are still used in the final assembly of aircraft, due to their size. For example, in final assembly lines (FAL), rivet holes are made in the outer skin of the aircraft’s fuselage. The tools are equipped with special guiding elements.

Robot systems

Robot systems

Robots with end-effectors for drilling and riveting mounted on shuttles are moved from assembly position to assembly position along the aircraft fuselage and position themselves automatically. MAPAL has defined various tool features especially for the aerospace industry that can be adapted optimally to the material and the boundary conditions, depending on the machining situation.

• High process reliability
• Optimum tool design for every application
• Many years of experience guarantee the best machining results

Drill feed units

Drill feed units

In contrast to handheld machines, drill feed units allow the tool to be guided mechanically. An additional guidance is required from a total length of 120 mm or more. The use of drill bushes is recommended. Our tools convince through:

• Minimal burr formation and improved centring
• Optimal bore quality and a long tool life
• Low emissions when machining

Hand drills

Hand drills

Handheld machines offer a high degree of flexibility but lack the qualities required for stable tool guidance. As a result, additional stabilisers are needed to produce a constant diameter. MAPAL has developed a range of high-performance tools specifically for machining with handheld machines and drill feed units.

• Drilling from solid

  Tools for drilling from solid in multilayer composite materials (stacks) made out of CFRP, aluminium, high-alloy steels or titanium with a hand drill.
   

• Boring and reaming

  Boring and reaming of through bores tools with special cutting leads and guiding elements for the reliable production of precise bores with high surface quality and accurate concentricity.

• Countersinking

  Producing precise, circular countersinks and spot faces on bores that have already been pre-drilled.

• 09.04.2025

  MAPAL develops two generic components for the aerospace industry

  MAPAL has developed two sample components for the aerospace sector. The Generic Components, a valve housing and a torsion joint, cover all the demanding machining steps.

  #Products #Industries #Technology #Aerospace

• 17.05.2024

  NeoMill-Alu-QBig: High-volume milling of aluminium materials

  With material removal rates of 18 l/min and more, the NeoMill-Alu-QBig indexable insert milling cutter from MAPAL stands for top performance in high-volume milling of aluminium.

  #Milling #Industries #Aerospace

• 12.04.2024

  MAPAL bundles activities in aircraft assembly

  In order to optimally and intensively support the area of final assembly in the aerospace industry, MAPAL has created a new department.

  #Company #Aerospace